Santa Cruz SPCA Pet of the Week: Give beautiful Bosco a better life

It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to intentionally cause harm to an animal, much less one with such a friendly and happy face as Bosco. This beautiful 1½-year-old purebred Pomeranian was run over by someone on a bicycle, and witnesses say it looked to be an intentional hit-and-run.

After being run over, Bosco lay stunned on the sidewalk for a few minutes and then got up and limped toward one of the witnesses, who brought him straight to the nearest shelter. Vets at the shelter checked him over thoroughly and other than a few bruises, he seemed healthy and even jovial. When no one came forward to claim him, Bosco made his way to the Santa Cruz SPCA.

They really don't come much cuter, sweeter or happier than this little red beauty. Bosco loves to play and bounces around with glee. He adores other dogs and humans alike and literally has a smile pasted on his face day in and day out as he greets everyone he meets.

When Bosco is in a calm environment he is quick to become affectionate and cuddly, but when things are going on, he likes to be part of the action. He doesn't seem to be phased by much which is very fortunate, given his horrifying experience, and he continues to want to explore all that the world has to offer.

Bosco would make a wonderful addition to a multi-dog household or as an only dog. Because of his size and activity level he would do fine in a smaller home or apartment as long as he had two good walks a day and access to the outdoors for potty breaks. His breed is known for barking at things that concern them, but Bosco has been relatively quiet during his stay with us. Pomeranians are a breed that requires a lot in the way of grooming because of their dense, full coat, so it's important to make sure that regular grooming visits will fit into your budget. Although Bosco was shown the worst side of humans, he seems ready and willing to give us another try to show him a better life.

Call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA, at 2685 Chanticleer Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The SPCA Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop at the Capitola Mall near Target is open on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The SPCA's adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, an ID tag, collar, a free vet exam, one month's free health insurance and other animal care materials.

Consider donating to the nonprofit Santa Cruz SPCA, which receives no government funding.